Former Indian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, has described the recent hike in H-1B visa fees as both a challenge and an opportunity, urging India to recalibrate its approach to global talent mobility.
Speaking to ANI, Akbaruddin criticised the United States’ decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, calling it a “tax on trust” that risks hurting both countries. “H-1B was once seen as a bridge between India and the US. But if a $100,000 toll is placed on this bridge of talent, it will hurt both sides,” he said.
He stressed that talent cannot be restricted by borders: “If America is hesitating to take talent, Bengaluru should take it or Canada will take it. Talent will go where opportunity is.” According to him, instead of viewing the development as a setback, India could leverage the situation by attracting investments into Global Capability Centres (GCCs). “If work cannot go out, it can come in. That can be India’s new H-1B visa,” he remarked.
Akbaruddin also noted the importance of carefully handling the aspirations of young professionals. “Partners don’t choke talent; they channelise it. Taxing talent is a race we will both lose,” he warned.
The announcement from Washington has triggered unease across the US technology sector. The proclamation, signed by President Donald Trump, raised the one-time H-1B application fee from around USD 1,500 to USD 100,000 for all new petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Current visa holders remain unaffected.
The steep hike has already led to confusion, with Silicon Valley companies advising employees against international travel, foreign workers scrambling to return before rules take effect, and legal experts working overtime to interpret the order.
Despite the disruption, Akbaruddin emphasised that India could turn the moment into a “brain gain.” He recalled how thousands of young Indians have benefited from opportunities in the US while contributing to American society. “This is not a situation that should have come about,” he said, while calling for creative responses to the shifting global landscape.